Rome Declaration

On 23rd September 2013, representatives of 17 EU countries, including Ireland, met in Rome to condemn a stream of racist insults and threats directed at Ccile Kyenge, the Italian minister for integration. The meeting called unanimously for a new pact to stamp out discrimination across the EU. Minister Kyenge, who is Italy's first black minister, was targeted by anonymous critics and by her fellow politicians since her appointment in April 2013.

After the meeting, the EU representatives signed the Rome Declaration urging greater pan-European action to promote diversity. A strong response was necessary in defence not only of Minister Kyenge but of those suffering from racism throughout Europe. The declaration states that politicians have a particular responsibility to lead the way in the fight against racism and xenophobia.

The text of the Rome Declaration is available at this link -

http://www.joellemilquet.be/IMG/pdf/23092013_de_claration_de_rome.pdf


^ Back to top